Are you leading now?

That’s what caught my attention when I read Seth Godin’s latest books ‘Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us’. It’s a powerful statement, which I always believe and try to cultivate it in any team that I lead.
In my previous job, it’s one of the things that I look for when I’m interviewing any candidate. It’s not necessary that they must have that kind of leadership qualities to lead a multi-national company. But at the very least, they must recognize that when it’s time to step up, either to salvage a project that goes horribly wrong, or to lead a new initiative, they must voluntarily take up the responsibilities and make it happen.

Especially in an online agency where things move in a flash to keep up with the newest trend in the industry and also the never-ending demand of a client, every individual should know that they have an unwritten KPI (Key-performance indicator).

And yes, you are right. They must lead. It might be a little bit overwhelming. But again, neither do they need the mindset of a Harvard graduate, nor the foresight of a war hero to lead. All that is expected of them is to show a little bit of initiative and to be proactive in solving the problems that exists within the organization.

Too many times, problems can be solved, project can be salvaged but it didn’t happen and all because of people standing in one corner, thinking that’s not part of their job scope.

As a manager or a team lead, it’s therefore important to cultivate a leadership mindset in every members of your team. And it’s only when all your team members have the mindset, then the work will seem a whole lot easier.

Comments

I have also read Seth Godins book, Tribes. It is a book with some great points. I do like that you do not need to hold a position as a leader to lead.

I like the way you explain about the unwritten KPI and the ability to stand up when needed. I manage a call center departement and there is a need for people with the ability to see when we fight and when we can rest.

Great blog by the way, just found it and now I will sit down and read some more.